In a major shift for App Store policy, Apple has updated its guidelines to allow music streaming services to include links to external websites where users can sign up for subscriptions. This change comes after the European Union (EU) ruled that Apple cannot restrict app developers from offering alternative payment methods.

The update to Apple’s App Store guidelines brings the company into compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which the EU introduced in May of 2023. The DMA is a set of regulations designed to promote fair competition in the digital market. One of the key provisions of the DMA is that it requires gatekeepers, such as Apple and Google, to allow app developers to use third-party payment systems.

For music streaming services in the EU, this means that they can now offer users a choice of how to pay for their subscriptions. Users can continue to pay through Apple’s in-app purchase system, or they can choose to sign up for a subscription directly on the music streaming service’s website and pay using a different payment method.

This change is a significant victory for music streaming services, which have long argued that Apple’s in-app purchase system is unfair. Apple charges app developers a commission of up to 30% on all in-app purchases. This commission can make it difficult for music streaming services to offer competitive subscription prices.

The change is also likely to benefit consumers. By allowing music streaming services to offer alternative payment methods, users may have more choice and potentially lower prices. It remains to be seen how many music streaming services will take advantage of the new policy, but it is a positive development for both consumers and app developers.